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SEI in the News
Read about all that we are doing in the larger Portland area
COALITION OF COMMUNITIES OF COLOR
This Black History Month, we honor a founder who has made a lasting impact in Portland — through the organization he started for Black youth and families and as a driving force behind establishing the Coalition of Communities of Color 25 years ago.
Tony Hopson Sr. sat down with us to reflect on his upbringing, the shifts that transformed culturally specific services, and why working across racial lines matters more than ever.
KOIN 6
Since 1981, Self Enhancement, Inc. has been serving Portland’s Black youth and families from the classroom and beyond.
It started as a basketball camp for young boys, SEI CEO Trent Aldridge told KOIN 6 News, the organization has “evolved greatly” into a critical service for 45 years providing in-school and after-school support, along with housing support, energy assistance and empowerment programs.
KOIN 6
Portland non-profit marks 45 years with expanded ‘Culture + Commerce Market’. The ‘Culture + Commerce Market’ isn’t just a place to shop, but a chance to celebrate and invest in our community’s Black-owned businesses.
The market on Saturday, February 21, is run by the Portland non-profit Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), which is celebrating its 45th anniversary.
Willamette Week
Self Enhancement Inc. announced today it will distribute $2.5 million in education grants each year across Multnomah County through a new initiative called the Education Co-Op, thanks to a cash infusion from the 1803 Fund.
The grants are aimed at supporting programming in four areas: reading and math proficiency, high school graduation, tech literacy, and career development. The co-op will partner with community groups who work with youth to “fill the learning gap that they face by providing extra learning time and attention.”
DJC OREGON
The partnership between Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI) and Community Development Partners (CDP) has resulted in transformative projects that provide affordable housing and essential services to underserved communities in Portland. By combining SEI’s expertise in youth development and community support with CDP’s experience in real estate development, the collaboration has created sustainable, mixed-use developments that promote long-term success for residents.
The portland observer
For more than 40 years, SEI has been the difference in the lives of youth and families in Portland. SEI’s work has results - 98% of SEI youth graduate from high school. From an investment of the 1803 Fund, SEI will bring this experience and understanding to form the Education Co-op to distribute an annual recurring $2.5 million to support peer community-based organizations dedicated to the wellbeing of youth.
WILLAMETTE WEEK
A new 1,500-square-foot mural now graces the walls of Self Enhancement Inc., the nonprofit organization in North Portland that serves youth and families. It Takes a Village features the words “The Village” interspersed with portraits, including SEI founder Tony Hopson Sr. (He’s in the “T”.) It’s based on the proverb “It takes a village to raise a child.”
The mural features children reading and playing instruments and basketball, befitting an organization that began in 1981 as a one-week summer enrichment camp for Black youth.
Portland Business Journal
A partnership between Community Development Partners and Self Enhancement, Inc. developed the $34.5 million building, which brings 63 affordable apartments "to an area where Black families have been displaced due to urban renewal and gentrification," per a CDP release.
KGW8
“This is more than just a building — it’s a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that Portland’s Black community not only survives but thrives in neighborhoods they helped build,” said Tony Hopson Sr., founder of Self Enhancement Inc., Oregon’s largest African American-led nonprofit.
JAM’N 107.5
“A new housing opportunity is opening up for people who’ve been pushed out of North and Northeast Portland over the years due to urban renewal and displacement, as well as rising rents.
On Thursday, local elected leaders from Metro and the city of Portland will join other project partners in celebration at the naming dedication and opening of the Dr. Darrell Millner Building.”
The Portland Observer
"I am humbled and honored to continue the incredible legacy that Tony Hopson, Sr. has built," said Trent Aldridge. "SEI has been a pillar of strength and support in our community, and I am dedicated to furthering our mission and expanding our impact.
Portland Business Journal
“For Hopson, that next level is helping where he can with the groundbreaking 1803 Fund, which looks to enhance the Albina neighborhood.”
Willamette Week
“When Tony Hopson Sr. founded Self Enhancement Inc. 43 years ago, he didn’t imagine it would grow into an organization that employs 225 people, boasts an annual budget of $32 million and offers services to 17,000 children, most of them Black.”
The Oregonian
SEI is to receive $25 million in grant funding over the next 10 years from the 1803 Fund.
Additionally, Self Enhancement Inc. and Albina Head Start, will jointly redistribute another $2.5 million per year from the 1803 Fund over the next 10 years to other organizations that serve Black families, preschoolers, children and teens all around the Portland metro area.